Utah to Ban Target Shooting Because of Fire Hazard

Utah’s state forester says he plans to restrict target shooting in rural areas within days because of wildfire hazard.

Dick Buehler says it’s the first time Utah will resort to a ban on target shooting. He expects to impose the rule at specific sites in four or five counties that are asking for restrictions.

Officials say sparks from bullets have caused 21 of Utah’s 486 wildfires so far this year.

Buehler has authority over all unincorporated private and state lands inside Utah.

U.S. Forest Service officials don’t believe their agency has ever banned target practicing on federal lands in Utah or anywhere else and have no plans to follow suit.